Philadelphia Phillies: Whom to Fear In The National League?

Almost a week ago, the Phillies wrapped up yet another playoff berth. For the fourth straight year, Philadelphia will get to witness October baseball.

However, this season, it feels a bit different. For the first time, the Phillies appear to be entering the postseason with unquestionably the strongest roster in the National League.

They have the best record in all of Major League Baseball, and have the highest run differential in the NL as well.

Anticipation has turned into entitlement. This year, fans aren't just hoping for a World Series berth; they are expecting it.

It is a dangerous attitude. While the Phillies have the best team on paper, a short series can result in upsets. A bad pitching performance, a few errors, or an offensive cold streak could cause the heavily-favored Phils to make an early exit.

But it will be the opposition that will be most likely to derail the Phillies chances at another World Series.

Each of the current NL playoff contenders could give the Phillies trouble in the postseason. While Philadelphia will be favored in each matchup, their opponents made the playoffs for a reason.

So which teams have the best chance to defeat the Phillies in the National League playoffs?

4. Atlanta Braves

The Braves led the National League East for most of the season, and have a very strong +108 run differential. They also are a fantastic home team, as their 55 home wins lead all of baseball. '

Their one-two pitching punch of Tim Hudson and Tommy Hanson could easily help to steal a series.

Why The Phillies Shouldn't Worry

The Phillies are 5-0 vs. the Braves in September, including two wins on the road. Those two most recent wins occurred long after the Phillies clinched a postseason berth, with the Braves desperately attempting to nail down a playoff spot.

If the Braves can't beat the Phillies' backups to get into the postseason, how do they have any chance to beat them in the actual playoffs?

In addition, the Braves are not at full strength. Both Chipper Jones and Martin Prado will miss the postseason, if the Braves can even find a way to earn a spot. Jair Jurrjens is battling a knee injury as well.

Atlanta is a mess right now, as they seem to be searching for a way to blow a playoff berth that was a near-certainty only a few weeks ago.

If the Phillies met them in the playoffs (which could only happen in the NLCS), it would be an ideal matchup.

1. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are actually a better hitting team than the Phillies. They've scored more runs than Philadelphia (787-765), with a deep lineup led by MVP favorite Joey Votto.

With the return of Edinson Volquez, the Reds actually have a solid rotation. Johnny Cueto is a developing ace, and Travis Wood is a solid, soft-tossing lefty. The Phillies have struggled against pitchers like Wood in the past.

They also are a very good fielding team, ranking fourth in MLB in team UZR. And recent callup Aroldis Chapman adds impact talent to a decent bullpen.

Why the Phillies Shouldn't Worry

The Reds have struggled this season against winning teams, racking up most of their wins against poor competition. They are a combined 9-16 against the Phillies, Braves, Giants, and Padres.

In other words, when they play against playoff teams, they lose.

But on paper, the Reds appear to be the most complete potential opponent. They hit, pitch, and field well enough to be a threat.